strengths

• controlled observations


  -controlled because filmed

  -ensures fine details of behaviour is recorded & analysed

  -high internal validity
• important implications


  -important in the development of quality of attachment

  -important in development of empathy, moral reasoning & language

  -essential to study as parents need to be aware of importance to interact with baby
• supporting evidence for importance of interactional synchrony in attachment : ISABELLA


  -observed 30 mothers & infants together

  -assessed degree of synchrony & quality of attachment

  -found high levels of synchrony were associated with better quality attachment

  -suggests a relationship between closeness of synchrony & strength of attachment

  -supports the claim interactions are important for later attachment
• evidence supporting that infant's imitation is intentional : Murray & Treverthen 


  -study on 2 month old infants

  -first condition : babies interacted via video monitor with mother

  -second condition : video monitor played tape of mother so image didn't respond to infant's gestures

  -2nd condition : babies showed severe distress when tried to attract mum's interest

  -babies became disinterested and turned away

  -shows infant actively trying to get response, active & intentional partner in interaction